Serhii M. Popaz (Topaz)

National Guardsman Serhiy Popaz (call sign Topaz) was killed on April 17, 2022, during battles for Kharkiv region. The fighter, along with his comrades, was surrounded and killed as a result of enemy shelling. The warrior was 27 years old. Serhiy was born and lived in Kyiv. He stu at local gymnasium No. 299. After school, he immediately served in the National Guard of Ukraine. He was interested in sports, engaged in bodybuilding, and was fond of motorcycles. During the full-scale war, the man defended Ukraine in the ranks of the General Serhiy Kulchytskyi Battalion of the National Guard of Ukraine. He held the position of a shooter. "I still can't believe he's gone. Our little son doesn't remember him because he's so young, but I constantly tell him what a father he had. We miss him very much," said his wife, Natalia. "You will always remain in my heart. Heroes never die. I am proud to have served with you. There are no words to express my pain. I can't believe you're gone. With respect to you, I will tell my grandchildren that you are a Hero of Ukraine," wrote his combat sister, Olha Pomaz. "He couldn't stand injustice," noted the deceased's brother, Stanislav. The serviceman was buried at the Lysove Cemetery in his native Kyiv. Serhiy is survived by his parents, brother, and son. Senior Sergeant Serhiy Popaz was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage III degree.